Best time to visit the Azores: 5 tips & Info

adminonAugust 22, 2023August 22, 2023Leave a Comment

Colorful flowers in the Azores

You love to discover nature while hiking, you want to swim with dolphins or watch whales one day? And all this in pleasant, not too hot temperatures? Then the nine Azores islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are perfect for you. In this article you will learn tips& info about the best time to travel to the Azores and when to do which activities best.

1. Overview of the best time to travel to the Azores

On the nine islands belonging to Portugal, the climate remains very similar throughout the year, which makes the Azores a popular year-round destination. Nevertheless, the summer months from June to October are the best for a trip. During this period, temperatures average 22 – 26°C during the day and approx. 19°C and the sun shines minimum 5 – 8 hours per day. July and August are the warmest and have the least rainfall. With water temperatures of 20 – 23°C you can spend a pleasant bathing vacation there in summer.

Best time to visit the Azores: June – October

In winter it is a bit cooler with daytime temperatures around 17°C. All the islands of the Azores, however, remain frost-free, which is why the survival of many tropical plants is possible.

✈ Travel tip: On the island hopping trip to the Azores, you discover several islands one after the other in what is called "island hopping.

2. When the hydrangeas bloom?

Hydrangeas on the island of Sao Miguel

Due to the mild climate and the fertile volcanic soils, the Azores are like a natural greenhouse. Flowers, pineapple and tea are abundant there. However, the hydrangea bloom in the Azores is especially famous and popular.

The Azores are a paradise for hiking fans! The landscape is strongly marked by the volcanic origin of almost all of its islands and the great biodiversity impresses with fantastic flora and fauna.

For centuries, the fastest way was by sea and footpaths were few and far between. They were used to visit festivals in the neighborhood or to transport agricultural products such as fish, coal and other small trade goods. Much of the original trail network has been repaired and signposted over time, making both the coast and the mountainous hinterland excellent for exploring on foot.

Best time for hiking in the Azores: June – October

Hiking in the Azores is possible all year round. The warm and dry months from June to August are the best time to visit. Since it never really gets hot, even in the height of summer, temperatures are pleasant for hiking.

Hiking tips for the Azores:

Azores island Faial: Circumnavigation of the 900 m high crater Caldeira of Faial (approx. 3 hours) or even descend into the crater together with a guide accredited by the Faial Nature Park. Also possible is a 23 km hike from the Caldeira to the Capelinhos volcano.
Sao Miguel: Hike around the lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, which are located next to each other.
Sao Miguel: Hike to the crater lake Lagoa do Fogo with a great view at an altitude of 600m.
Flores: Coastal hiking trail from Lajedo to Aldeia Cuada.
Pico: Ascent of the volcano Pico on 2.350 m.

Beach vacations: If you want to relax on the beach after a strenuous hike, you will find beautiful beaches on all the Azores islands. But these are mostly no sandy beaches. For beach vacations, the island of Santa Maria is the best place, as it has the most beautiful sandy beach in the Azores.

✈ Browse hiking trips in the Azores and get inspired.

4. Best time for whale watching

Whales in the Atlantic Ocean near the Azores

The best time for whale watching in the Azores is from April to June. During this period the largest whales leave their winter habitat near the equator and head for the summer feeding grounds off the coast of Greenland, Iceland and Norway. They pass by the Azores. But also outside this main season you can watch the huge animals there.

Best time to go whale watching in the Azores: April – June; different species of whales& Dolphins can be seen all year round

Dolphin in the Azores

If you want to swim with wild dolphins, it is best to travel to the Azores in summer. Equipped with snorkel and mask you can discover different species like the bottlenose dolphin, the spotted dolphin, the common dolphin and the Risso's dolphin. Sometimes you can see whale sharks, turtles or sunfishes.

Region	Best time
Pico	Beginning of March and end of October
Sao Miguel	Beginning of May until end of September
Faial	Beginning of May until end of September

There are different providers where you can book swimming with dolphins. They have look outs, small houses on the coast where experienced people sit with binoculars and watch the dolphins. Equipped with wetsuits, life jackets and windbreakers you will be taken to the dolphins and can experience the animals up close.

Ready for your trip to the Azores?

On the touristically well developed islands there is a lot to do: Whether diving, hiking, staying on the beach, exploring the tea and pineapple plantations, etc., there is something for everyone. The warmer and drier summer months are especially good for a trip to the Azores. Still looking for inspiration? Then have a look at the Azores trips of the ASI.

The best tips against fear of flying

Fear of flying is a big problem for affected passengers. Because more passengers suffer from fear of flying than one might think at first sight. Because contrary to long-held opinions, about 1/3 of the passengers are affected in some form or another. And for these travelers it is sometimes anything but easy to get on a plane. Sometimes the fear begins even days before the actual flight. For others, however, it is only when the plane takes off or lands.

Fears, including the fear of flying, are often not rationally explainable. And this is exactly where there is a great need for clarification. Because unknown noises or the very low probability of a crash must nowadays simply no longer be a reason and here it is relatively easy to impart more knowledge, so as to counteract the fear from the outset.

Simulator training for more routine and against fear of flying

And exactly here there is a pilot who has made it his business to provide more information with his knowledge or even to take the affected people by the hand with a coaching and to help them to overcome their fear. It clarifies the meaning of the individual previously unknown sounds and to what extent pilots are trained to master difficult situations even better by declaring them to be standard processes, thus constantly trained in the simulator and thus provide for more routine. Especially premium airlines stand out here with their good training and further education.

Tip 1 against fear of flying

Become more aware of unfamiliar sounds by listening to Suk-Jae Kim's podcast and become more skilled at recognizing and interpreting these sounds. If you have individual questions, you can reach him (and of course me) via Upspeak and get personal answers to your individual questions.

Tip 2 against fear of flying

You should not keep your fears to yourself, but express them especially to the boarding staff. Because only in this way the crew can respond to you and support you accordingly. This can also help you to visit the cockpit on the ground and meet the pilots in person. Talking to your partners or fellow travelers also helps tremendously. And at the same time a welcome distraction. The in-flight entertainment system or your own music or audio books are also ideal for this purpose. By the way, the so-called active-noise-canceling headphones, which suppress the ambient noise, are especially suitable for this purpose. These are usually available at your seat in Business and First Class. If you are traveling in economy, you have to bring your own headphones.

Tip 3 against fear of flying

Do not take any medication or alcohol against your fear, because they can have the opposite effect and even increase your fear. A natural method such as meditation before or during the flight is better.

Tip 4 against fear of flying

Good preparation is half the battle. Means if you arrive early at the airport, check in your bags without time pressure. Then quickly through security and off to the lounge. A frequent flyer status or the American Express Platinum credit card will help you here. In order to avoid stress already in the pre-planning phase, it is advisable to choose direct flights and to avoid connecting flights.

Relaxed arrival before departure against fear of flying

Conclusion

Whether you are affected by fear of flying yourself, or a partner or fellow traveler, knowing what can cause fear of flying and how best to deal with it is a key to success. Because you will not only help yourself, but also others.

If you would like to receive such articles or super flight offers in a timely manner, then I recommend the free Travel-Insider newsletter. Sign up right now>>click

Somehow things may not work out as planned with the last few vacations: Last year in fall, Mr. Wallygusto and I were in Franconian Switzerland instead of Japan because of my new job. Sure it was nice, but a Bavarian low mountain range is not a full substitute for a hike on Mount Fuji. And this year we wanted to go to Norway again. But thanks to Corona we made our way to Germany over 3 stages. The focus is less on sightseeing, but on a lot of rest and even more hiking. And we find in the three weeks of our journey through Germany both – and not too scarce. The first stop on the journey is the world heritage city of Bamberg.

Bamberg is a total work of art and represents with about 2.The city with its 400 listed houses and the centuries-old gardener's quarter is one of the largest intact old town ensembles in Europe. The wealth of original buildings from the Middle Ages to the Baroque is overwhelming. The most famous building is the Bamberg Cathedral, one of the former imperial cathedrals. Thanks to this unique historical cityscape, Bamberg was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.

In general, our vacation is unintentionally under the motto "World Heritage Germany", because even on our next stages

we come across world heritage sites again and again.

Disclaimer: This article contains unpaid and unsolicited advertising in the form of links and / or place names. If something was consumed, it was financed by the visitors themselves.

Worth seeing

Altenburg Castle

As an avid reader of our blog, you of course know that Mr. Wallygusto and I have been to the world heritage city of Bamberg several times before. Nevertheless, we are never bored here, because Bamberg and the Bamberg region offer sights in abundance.

Before we go to the cellar for a beer for the first time, we make a short hike to the Altenburg castle. The impressive walls from the Middle Ages are perched on the highest of Bamberg's seven hills and are one of the city's landmarks. By the way, Bamberg's highest beer garden is also hidden here. However, we refrain from a visit and enjoy the panoramic view over Bamberg and the surrounding area from the viewing terrace.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Upper Parish

The most important church building of the Gothic period is the parish church "Zu Unserer Lieben Frau" The simple nave is older than the late Gothic choir, which was laid in 1375, and the high choir, which is supported by buttresses. The marital portal is decorated with Gothic sculptures, the three-nave interior was baroqueized in 1711. Also worth mentioning is the modern Stations of the Cross, which here are not mounted on the wall as usual, but on the floor of the church.

In 15 abstract glass paintings, the artist Albert Ultsch has created a modern interpretation of the stations of the Passion of Jesus. The abstract pictures, which lead through the church and the choir ambulatory with catchwords, are supposed to stimulate the viewer to confront the piety of passion and suffering anew.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Old town hall

The Old Town Hall with its colorful frescoes, which give the facade plasticity through mock architecture, fascinates us anew with every visit! The history of its origin is not less astonishing! According to legend, the bishop of Bamberg did not want to give the citizens any of his land for the construction of a town hall. This is why the resourceful people of Bamberg rammed piles into the river Regnitz, creating an artificial island on which they could build a town hall.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large boulders (1)

Little Venice

Along the river Regnitz, densely packed half-timbered buildings from the Middle Ages and tiny gardens line up one after the other. At the landing stages of the picturesque front gardens, colorful barges are bobbing merrily along. Not for nothing is the former fishermen's settlement in the Bamberg island town affectionately called "Little Venice".

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Hainpark

The Hainpark reminds us in its originality of the Wurmtal or the Isarauen. Almost every evening we take a little digestive walk here. The green lung of Bamberg was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Jh. The park was built after the model of the English Garden in Munich and is one of the oldest citizen parks in Bavaria.

Konigsberg

Not only the world cultural heritage city of Bamberg shines with a well-preserved historic old town. The small town of Konigsberg fascinates us with its medieval-romantic townscape. Thanks to the winding alleys and a multitude of excellently preserved half-timbered houses around the salt market, Konigsberg is a gem of Franconian half-timbered architecture. The Cafe Marktplatzchen provides the icing on the cake – in the truest sense of the word. Here Mr. Wallygusto and I enjoy a tarte with nectarines and a sponge cake roll with a lot of cream filling (and even more cream on top). A little less cream would have been okay, but maybe that's the way it has to be in Lower Franconia.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Botanical Garden Hof

On the way to the Erzgebirge we make a short stop in Hof to visit the botanical garden. The jewel in the middle of the historic Theresienstein park can be divided into two large areas: The geometrically designed Rosarium with the medicinal plant quarter and the more landscaped area with the Alpinum, the water lily pond and the waterfall. Like the Hainpark in Bamberg, the Theresienstein is one of the oldest parks in Bavaria, created by citizens. Intoxicated by the splendor of the blossoms, we walk into the old town and enjoy a large sundae with strawberries in an ice cream parlor.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Activities

Those who know us Wallygustos, know that we spend our vacations not only feasting and drinking wine. Even a pure sightseeing program is (often) not enough for us – we are drawn out into nature. Fortunately, the Steigerwald and the Habberge mountains are two interesting hiking areas right at the doorstep of the world heritage city of Bamberg .

Hike Vollburg and Stollberg

The extended forest hike leads us to the hospitable Handthal winegrowers' nest at the foot of the Stollberg mountain. We taste one of the good wines that thrive under the wooded vineyards of the highest vineyard in Franconia when we stop at Cafe Lust. With our glass of wine we enjoy a lovingly prepared cheese sandwich. Freshly strengthened, we continue to the Stollberg, where an incomparable view awaits us: In the southwest the ridge line of the Steigerwald with the striking Schwanberg, at our feet Oberschwarzach in the midst of its vineyards, and behind it the view sweeps far out over the carpet of spots in the countryside. The ruins of the Stollburg castle leave far less impression on us. But this may also be due to the fact that the temperatures are almost 30 degrees and the feet are already a little heavy. Nevertheless, we really like the long hike.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Hike to the ruins of Rotenhan& Lichtenstein Castle

I have it yes not so with old walls, but against a castle and castle hike par excellence I resist in no case. In every place we pass on our long way we discover a castle, a fortress or a ruin. The magnificent renaissance castle Eyrichshof, which is privately owned and can not be visited, is the prelude. The first destination is one of the few real rock castles in Germany. Unfortunately, Rotenhan Castle was already destroyed in the 14th century. The castle was destroyed in the 19th century, so that only small remains of rising masonry are still to be seen. We continue to Gereuth with the Old and the New Castle, both of which have seen better days. Via Einsielderstein, Burgstall Alte Burg and the Lichtenstein castle ruins, the route then leads back to Eyrichshof. As a crowning finale, I discover the remains of a candy factory – I find such lost places simply fascinating.

BAMBERG Travel Guide - Of castles, shafts & small and large lumps (1)

Hiking tour Bramberg

The striking, forested basalt cone of the Bramberg is one of the highest Habberg peaks. Thanks to its characteristic shape, visible from far away, it has become a landmark of the region. Of the once mighty castle on its summit, unfortunately, only a ruin remains. Thanks to the view over the quiet Habbergland, the long and often monotonous march to the top is still worth it.

1. Overview of the best time to travel to the Azores

2. When the hydrangeas bloom?

Hiking tips for the Azores:

4. Best time for whale watching

Ready for your trip to the Azores?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply